To make pure alcohol, start with a batch of raw ingredients. Distill it, and you’ll get a more refined batch. This is how we compiled this best-of-the-year photo gallery. We started with thousands of images. Gradually we selected the shots that illustrate skiing and photography in new and different ways, along with an explanation from each photographer. Please enjoy responsibly. Then we asked you, our readers, to vote for your favorite image. Introducing the Readers' Choice award for Best Photo of the Year.

Check out the Best Photos of the Year gallery from our December 2009 issue in a lovely-to-look-at video slideshow. Also, click to vote for your favorite image—where the readers' choice award photographer will win $500.

You sent us your best powder shots of the year, and honestly we're pretty impressed (read: jealous). Flip through the gallery and vote for your favorite shots. You can pick five, then we'll narrow it down to the top 20 for a final round of voting. The most popular photographer wins a free pair of Wagner Custom skis (again, jealous).